The Government has selected 14 areas where it plans to spend the majority of its €500m annual budget for scientific research, based on the potential for job creation.
The list of 14 - which includes future networks and communications, medical devices and marine renewable energy - were identified in a report by the research prioritisation steering group. The group was chaired by Jim O'Hara, a former general manager of Intel Ireland.
The move is part of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs.
Launching the steering group's report today, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said Ireland had built up a substantial base of world-class scientific research.
The Minister said the challenge was how to ensure this translated into sustainable business and jobs. ''With determined implementation of the recommendations of this report we can make sure that this happens,'' he added.
A Prioritisation Action group is also being set up to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the report. The group will be chaired by the Minister of State for Research and Innovation Sean Sherlock.
Mr Sherlock said that all relevant government departments, as well as research funders, will be involved and input and from external experts and industry will be secured.
